Westport Country Playhouse Partners with Westport Library's READING TO ROVER, 3/1

Westport Country Playhouse will be all about dogs on Sunday, March 1, when it partners with The Westport Library's "Reading to Rover" certified therapy dogs, tied into a presentation of the musical "Dog Loves Books" on the Playhouse stage.

Children can meet some of The Westport Library's "Reading to Rover" certified therapy dogs, between 2 and 3:45 p.m., in the Playhouse's White Barn Center. Youngsters will have an opportunity to pet the canine friends as well as learn from the dogs' owners how therapy dog teams work in libraries, nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and disaster sites.

According to Lynne Perrigo, who created the "Reading to Rover" program at The Westport Library 10 years ago, "Studies have shown that children's reading skills often improve dramatically when they read out loud to dogs. Dogs provide a loving, non-judgmental audience that really helps readers of all ages to relax and gain confidence in their reading. Slurpy kisses and soft ears to nuzzle are a lovely side benefit."

The New York Times' bestseller by Louise Yates, "Dog Loves Books," will come to life in a musical version on the Playhouse stage at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., as part of the Playhouse's Family Festivities Series. The show is about the irresistible Dog who loves books so much that he decides to open up his own bookstore. Produced by ArtsPower, the new musical celebrates the power of the imagination and the satisfaction that comes in sharing books with others. Children are invited to greet the certified therapy dogs following the 1 p.m. show, or prior to the 4 p.m. show.

"Dog Loves Books" is recommended for ages 5 through 8. Running time is approximately one hour. Tickets are $20.

"Reading to Rover" volunteer dogs and their handlers are all certified or registered pet therapy teams from Pet Partners, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Longshore/Southport Kennel Club, R.E.A.D., Therapet, Inc., and Therapy Dogs International.

The Playhouse's Family Festivities Series is presented on selected Sundays from November through March. Upcoming is "Curious George," on Sunday, March 29, a new musical about the inquisitive, lovable little monkey of books, movies, and the award-winning PBS television show.

At each Family Festivities performance, Westport Country Playhouse will once again host a book collection for Read to Grow, Inc. Bins will be located in the Playhouse lobby for donations of gently used and new children's books which will be given to families with limited access and to community resources that serve them in the greater Fairfield County area.

Family Festivities Corporate Sponsor is Pitney Bowes. Family Festivities Partner is Darlene Krenz. The series is also supported in part by Westport Young Woman's League.

Everyone in the audience requires a ticket. For more information or tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.westportplayhouse.org.